This week’s FriFotos theme is For Sale, which means we’re going on a virtual window shopping extravaganza to Istanbul’s amazing Grand Bazaar Kapalıçarşı (and surrounding neighborhood).
Turkish Delights
While the vast size of the Grand Bazaar can overwhelm, I stick to the jewelry aisles. You can buy any variation of an evil eye here, and there are several great stores there. My favorite is a gem box of a store called Epoque (though the sign reads Epok) located at Grand Bazaar 38 Sandal Bedesten Sok. This is where you find vintage jewelry of the five star variety. The glass cases and velvet boxes house an impressive collection of vintage jewelry including Cartier diamonds, antique designer watches, gold rings and snake cuffs, delicate previously owned bracelets, and stylish exotic gems from Turkey and other exotic locales. I could spend hours trying wonder how these amazing vintage jewels wound up in this amazing store.
Window shopping at Epok
Epok jewelry case
Epoque’s dusty velvet cases have rings and snake cuffs and pendants
Located nearby and outside the actual grand bazaar is my favorite Turkish Delight, Sofa Art & Antiques, which is simply the most amazing jewelry and antiques store I’ve ever visited (repeatedly). Charming proprietor Kasif is a great host who will chat with you over a cup of tea while showing you his latest finds. It’s a brilliantly curated store, filled with modern art, bronze art, as well as ottoman jewelry and other treasures.
Window shopping at Sofa
Golden treasures in Sofa
Sofa interior
Paintings and other objets d’art at Sofa Art and Antiques in Istanbul
Sofa cases filled with previously owned dolls and porcelain plates
Mysterious woman painting at Sofa
I’ve made some of my all time favorite purchases in this store and his amazing cases of jewelry and well-edited collection of interesting objects do not disappoint. Ottoman collectables and wearable treasures with personality and that is what Sofa does best. You can pick up a small souvenir to remind you of your trip, or some serious ottoman objets d’art to furnish your home.
Kasif from Sofa